Ladle stopper control apparatus



R. J. QARLETON, JR 2983.2,1 10

LADLQE STOPPER CONTROL APPARATUS s sheets-sheet 1- Filed Nov. l, .195]

um mul!! MNHN A? T TOR/VE Y prl 299 195% R. J. cARLEToN, .m 2832M0 LADLE STOPPER CONTROL APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 1 1951 United States insane LADLE srorrnn coNrnoL Arranarus Richard J. Carleton, llr., Chagrin Falis, Ghia, assignor,

by mesne assignments, to Einw-Knox lornpuuy, iiitsburgh, Pa., a corporation of New Jersey Application November l, 1951, Serial No. 254,36l

7 Claims. (Cl. 22H-8S) This invention relates to means for controlling ladle Stoppers employed in conjunction with the nozzles of ladles used in pouring molten metal, especially molten steel, and relates more particularly to a means for operating a power driven stopper which can be controlled by an operator who may move about freely to observe the pouring from the best vantage point.

In the pouring of steel ingots, a ladle having a capacity which may be as high as about 200 tons or more of molten steel is provided with a nozzle, in the bottom of the ladle. The ladle is suspended above the ingot mold into which the molten steel is to be poured and the stopper, which is pressed down against the nozzle in the closed position, is raised to permit the steel to ilow into the mold.

lt' the steel is poured into the mold too rapidly, gas becomes entrapped in the mold and a poor ingot results. Also, it the steel is poured too rapidly at the beginning or the end of the pouring, considerable splashing occurs which results in a loss of steel and endangers the operating personnel.

lf the pouring is carried out too slowly, metal which normally splashes against the interior of the mold, at the beginning of the pouring, solidies before the level of the poured metal in the mold rises to remelt the splashed metal. The solidified metal forms scales on theoutside of the ingot. The removal of such scales requires additional scarfng, chipping and grinding in the cleaning of the ingot surface before it can be used for subsequent operations.

It iS, therefore, desirable to have a means by which the pouring may be controlled so that the above noted and other diiculties will not result. A desirable type of control is one in which t-he pouring can be regulated or controlled to permit relatively slow pouring at the very beginning and at the end of the pouring and relatively rapid pouring intermediate the beginning and the end.

The practice has been to operate the stopper by means of an external linkage system connected to a manually operated lever. However, because of the weight of the stopper, even with the mechanical advantage of the linkage System, the operator has been required to exert a considerable force, i. e. in the neighborhood of l() lbs.

Because of the required exertion necessary to change the stopper position and particularly to close the nozzle, accurate control of the stopper to regulate the pouring rate has been dicult. The degree of control of the stopper has been dependent in large measure on the vigor and freedom from fatigue of the operator.

At the end of the pouring of one ngot, the nozzle is closed by moving the stopper down. If the nozzle is not completely closed, molten steel continues to leak or dribble from the nozzle as the ladle is moved from one mold to another. lf such leakage is sufficiently heavy, there may be a loss, for example, of as much as two ingots of steel in a single heat, i. e. in a single ladle load which may be capable of pouring to 50 ingots. ln addition to the loss of steel, there is the expense in time and labor .B lil Patented Apr. 29, 1958 HKC of hand cleaning the dribbled steel from.` the tops and sides of t-he mold and from the platforms of the cars on which the molds arecarried. Furthermore, the splashing of the steel from a leaking nozzle is a great danger to the operator of the stopper lever. lf the leaking becomes too heavy the operator may be obliged to release his grip on the stopper control lever with the result that a large amount of steel in the ladle is lost.

Especially because of these leakage problems, it is particularly desirable to have a safely and surely operable means for applying sutlicient pressure to the stopper to close the nozzle effectively whenever desired.

in pouring an ingot, it is also desirable to control the height of the ingot in the mold to obtain products of uniform size and weight. In order to obtain the desired height, a chalk line or equivalent is customarily used to indicate on the inside of the mold such desired height prior to the pouring. Then as the level of the ingot reaches the chalk line, the operator of the stopper is eX- pected to close it. The decision to close the nozzle, therefore, is basedupon visual observation by the pourer, i. e. the operator, but with the manual control, his movements are limited, in that he cannot move beyond arms length of the stopper lever. Under such circumstances, the chalk line may not always be visible to the pourer, especially if the ingot smoke and steam which are given off in the pouring should travel in a direction to obscure his vision. lf he were able to move about freely, he could avoid the obscuring smoke, observe the chalk line and shut ott the flow at the proper time. Furthermore, with the manual stopper means, it is difficult to effect the closing rapidly at the desired moment when the steel reaches the chalk line, and with sufficient pressure to prevent a leak from the nozzle which will add further steel above the line.

While there has been some recognition of the de sii-ability of substituting mechanical power for the manual operation oi Stoppers, no fully satisfactory apparatus has heretofore been available. For instance, devices have been proposed for control from the crane cab, but without recognition of the need for better instead of poorer visual observation than is available to a pourer operating a manual lever. In such devices, electrically powered means suggested for driving the stopper require an impractically large and heavy motor on the ladle. Another arrangement, controlled as above, contemplates a compressed air cylinder for displacing the stopper. Such device, however, is inherently incapable of controlling the degree or extent of stopper opening; it is even less accurate in controlling the pouring rate than manual operation, because the piston in the air cylinder cannot be held at a selectable intermediate position but can only be arrested at a single prexed point. As successive ingots are poured from a ladle, the amount of molten steel in the ladle decreases, with corresponding decrease of the head or pressure on the issuing metal, so that the stopper must be opened progressively wider to obtain the same rate of tlow. lt has thus now been appreciated that an arrangement which only permits the stopper to open the same distance each time cannot give a uniform rate of ilow for successive ingots and also cannot provide variation of the rate of ilow during the pouring of a single ingot.

ln the present invention, a principal object has been to provide a power system for a ladle stopper which for the stopper, is able not `only to move out of danger of.

fumes or splashing metal, but also to move about freely at all times and thus to obtain the best vantage point, despite smoke, steam and other obstacles, for observation of the pouring and of the chalk line or other ingot height indication.

A still further object of the power control system of this invention is t`o provide new and improved apparatus which can be easily and rapidly positioned on the side of the ladle, which is of relatively light construction and can exert forces sufliciently great to efliectively close the stopper, and which can be controlled so as to move the stopper slowly or rapidly up or down or to hold it in an intermediate position between a fully opened and a fully closed position.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a system which requires relatively little exertion upon the part of the operator and provides a great degree of safety.

Another object is speedier and more accurate pouring practice with greater yield at reduced cost and improved ingot quality resulting from good control of the pouring rate.

By way of introduction, a brief outline may be given here of some elements of the invention, which essentially comprises a power apparatus to be connected to and to actuate a ladle stopper and control means to operate the power apparatus. The power apparatus includes a hydraulic system employing a substantially non-compressible fluid and the control means includes an electrical system for selectively operating the hydraulic system whereby the stopper may be moved to and maintained in any desired position within its operative range. The electrical system includes switch means which may be operated from a portable apparatus whereby the operator is free to move relative to the ladle and associated equipment.

For a more complete disclosure of the invention and its further novel and advantageous features, reference is made to the following description, and to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. l is a schematic arrangement of apparatus embodying this invention with parts in section to indicate specific structure thereof;

Fig. Z is a side view of a hydraulic cylinder and related parts employed in the apparatus, portions being cut away to show details;

Fig. 3 is a view of the hydraulic cylinder and related parts taken along the line 3-3 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view of the hydraulic cyl Fig. 5 is a diagram of the automatic control and hydraulic power system for the hydraulic cylinder.

Referring to Fig. l, a ladle having a suitable refractory lining 11 is provided with a bottom orifice or nozzle 12. The nozzle is closed by a stopper 13 which may be formed of a vertical steel rod 15 having a tip 16 of refractory material and a plurality of refractory collars or sleeves 17 arranged in successive abutting or interlocking relationship with each other between the tip and a retaining nut 1S, to provide the stopper rod 15 with a protective covering so that it will not melt when the ladle is llled with molten steel.

The upper end of the stopper 15 is provided with means for rigidly attaching a cross-head member 20 in any desired manner such as by providing a hole in the cross-head Ztl of suitable size to receive the end of rod 15, the cross-head being held in place by nuts 21 threaded on the rod 15 and disposed in abutting engagement with the top and bottom sides thereof. The cross-head, which is horizontally disposed, extends outwardly beyond the lip 22 of the ladle 10 and has a slide or guide rod 23 rigidly fixed adjacent the end 25. The tapered upper end of the slide rod 23 is received in a hole formed in the cross-head 20 and is locked in position by Wedge key 24.

The slide rod 23 which is adapted to be disposed substantially vertical and parallel to the stopper 13 is supported in slidable engagement with a guide or barrel member 26 which is mounted on the side of the ladle 1l).

I-ille slide rod may be a single member, or a composite member as shown in Fig. 1, and should have means to prevent its rotation with respect to the barrel 26. If the slide rod and cross-head rotated about the axis of the slide rod, the stopper 13 would become misaligned with the nozzle and thereby be rendered ineffective in stopping the nozzle. A convenient means for preventing the rotation of the slide rod 23 is to provide key 29 on the rod adapted to be received in a mating keyway on the inside of the slide barrel 26.

The barrel or guide 26 is mounted on the side of the ladle by means of a pivot mounting at 27 to bracket 28 fixed to the Outer shell of the ladle 10. The lower end of the slide barrel 26 is held in position by an adjustable means by which the angular disposition of the sleeve may be adjusted. The adjustable means shown may include a shaft 31 suitably threaded in a collar on the slide barrel 26 and rotatably mounted to the side of the ladle. Rotation of the shaft 31 by means of the rms 32 will effect an adjustment of the barrel 26.

The lower end 33 of the slide rod 23 may be provided with the usual mechanical linkage for manual operation of the stopper for use in the event of a failure of power for the power control device to be described. The mechanical linkage consists of a link 35, pivotally mounted at 36 to a bracket near the lower end of the slide barrel 26 and pivotally mounted at its other end at 37 to a cross sleeve member 3S, the member 38 being pivotally mounted at d() to the lower end 33 of the slide rod 23. The sleeve member 38 is adapted to receive a lever 41 for manual operation, as shown in dash lines in Fig. l.

From the above description, it will be appreciated that a movement of the slide rod 23 upward causes the stopper 13 to be raised thereby opening the nozzle 12 and permitting the molten steel 14 to ow from the ladle. Conversely, a movement of the slide rod downward causes the stopper to be lowered thereby closing the nozzle and arresting the ow of molten steel from the ladle.

The parts thus far described are included in the usual stopper apparatus and adjustment of the stopper to the open or closed position is effected by the manual opera* tion of the lever member 41 by an operator, i. e. pourer, standing on platform 42.

The ladle, 10, shown in Fig. l, is lled with molten steel and has been moved, by means such as a crane, into position over a mold 43 which is to receive the steel. The molds are customarily carried on fiat cars 45 which are supported on trackways 46.

In the apparatus of this invention, it is contemplated to raise and lower the stopper by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder assembly 51 removably attached to standard stopper actuating apparatus. For this purpose, the upper end of the cylinder 51, as shown in Figs. l, 2 and 3, is connected to a bracket 47 fixed on the slide barrel 26. Piston rod 52, extending from a suitable piston 50 (Fig. 5) in the cylinder 51 and thus slidably mounted in the cylinder, is attached to a bracket 48 fixed on the lower part 33 of the slide rod 26 adjacent the pivot connection with the member 38. The cylinder is disposed so that a downward movement of the piston rod 52 causes a downward movement of the slide rod 23 and the stopper 13, and an upward movement of the piston rod 52 moves the slide rod 23 and the stopper 13 upward,

A more complete description of the means of attaching the cylinder 51 will be given after the operation of the cylinder and the hydraulic power system and electrical control therefor has been detailed.

Referring to Fig. 5, the hydraulic power system includes the piston 50, which is reciprocable in the cylinder 51 and to which the piston rod 52 is attached, suitable assorto glands or packing being utilized, if desired, around the piston rod to prevent leakage as it extends through the end of the cylinder. Ports and 56 are provided adjacent to the ends of cylinder di, the ports being connected by lines, i. e. pipe or tubing, 37 and 5S (as shown schematically' in 5) to one side of a valve dit, which is conveniently a four-way, three-position valve, viz. a reversing valve with a central neutral position.

A substantially non-compressible fluid, i. a liquid such oil, may be supplied 'under pressure to the other side ot the valve by means of pump 6i which dr l from reservoir dit, through line 63 and pumps it unc-er pressure through line Line do is connected to the valve 6h to receive exhaust fluid and return it to the reservoir 62..

The valve d@ may be provided with a slidabie plug or core member 67 having pairs of bores disposed at three portions A, and C to direct the ow or" iiuid to the cylinder for actuation of the piston in the manner to be described. For clarity oi illustration the portions and C own at uily separated localities, but i tice th y .an be disposed in successively overl" positions, a. is generally conventional in valve construction, to shorten the stroke of the plug.

When not positively actuated, the valve plug 67 maintained in the position shown in Fig. 5 by springs 7d. in this condition, with the portion C of the plug 67 in operative position, the lines 65 and 66 are connected by J-shaped bore iii so that the pumped huid circulates bach` to the reservoir and movement of fluid into or out of the cylinder is blocked; in consequence the piston is held in the cylinder in the position to which it is was moved.

To move the valve plug 67 so that the A or B portions are .in operative position, solenoids 72 and 73 are provided, and are arranged for actuation by manual switch controlled circuits, described below.

A dump valve di? is also provided so that when the apparatus is not in operation, iuid may be exhausted from both sides of the piston through ports Sd, lines 57, Sh, to branch lines 35, 37, then through bores titi, 89, formed in slidable core iid of the dump valve, and thence through line @t to the reservoir 62. The core S4 of the dump valve 35 is adapted to be maintained in the open position by spring means Stil, but while the apparatus is in operation, it is moved to and held in the closed position shown in Fig. 5, by energization of a solenoid S2.

Electric current, either A. C. or D. C., may be supplied to the solenoid circuits through lines, i. e. conductors, 75 and 7d from a suitable source. When. the oth on switch 77 is moved to close the circuit from line 75 through contacts 7d, du (of the switch 77), line Si, dump valve solenoid d2 and line S3 which is connected to line 75, the solenoid 82 is energized causing the rod 79 and the core member hdto which the rod is attached to move upward, against the pressure of the springl 90, to the closed position shown in Eig. 5.

The closing of the switch 77 also may be used to start the pump motor dit by completing the circuit through line 75, contacts 7d, titi, lines (il, 93 and 9d to the motor and thence via line Si@ back to line 76. However, it will oe understood that it desired, a separate circuit (not shown) of conventional character can be used to energize the motor, so that it may be controlled separately from the dump valve As noted, when the ott-on switch 77 is open, the solenoid 82 not actuated and the dump valve 85 is in the open position. With the dump valve open, fluid from both sides et the piston may be exhausted through branch lines anc d'7, dump valve hores 83, 9h and into line 91 which returns the fluid to the reservoir.

When the switch 77 is in the closed or on position the circuits to energize solenoids 72 and 73 may there after be closed.

last

.6. In order to lower the piston .50 in the cylinder 5'1, and thereby close the nozzle 13 (Fig. 1), the down switch 92 is moved to close the circuit through lines 81, 93, contacts 953, 96 (of the switch 92), line 97, solenoid 72, and line 93 to line 76. The closing of' the circuit energizes the solenoid 72 causing rod Mitt and the valve pli`J l(i7 to which rod lil@ is connected to move to the right, as viewed in Fig. 5 so that the A portion of the plug 67 is in operative position. When the A portion is in operative position, the bore tld. connects the pressure line with. the line 57 to deliver iiuid under pressure to the upper end of the cylinder 51 and the bore 102 con nects the line 5S from the lower end of the cylinder to the exhaust line 66. In this position of the valve 60, the piston 50 and the piston rod 52 will move down until the switch 92 is opened or until the tip 16 of the stopper i3 is seated tightly against the nozzle 12.

A relief valve N3 may be connected between lines 65 and 66 to bleed oi excess pressure, for example when the stopper 13, which is actuated by the piston rod 52, is seated. against the nozzle. The relief valve may be of standard type which may be adjusted to permit a desirable maximum amount of pressure to be exerted safely in the cylinder 51, i. e. without failure of the mechanical parts of the cylinder or other equipment.

To raise the piston E0 in the cylinder 51 and thereby raise the stopper to open the nozzle, the down switch 92 is opened and the up switch 10S is closed to cornplete the circuit through lines 81, 93, contacts 106, l (of the switch ldd), line 10S, solenoid 73, and line 11d to line 76. The solenoid 73 is thus energized by the closing of the switch 1G35', causing rod 111 and the valve plug 67, to which rod lll is connected, to move to the left, as viewed in Fig. 5. When the plug 67 is moved to the left, the B portion of the plug is brought into operative position, so that the Huid pressure line 65 is connected through oc-re M2 and line S8 to deliver fluid under pressure to the lower end of the cylinder 5l to force the piston 5h upward. Fluid is exhausted from the upper part of the cylinder through line S7 and bore 113 to exhaust line 66.

The piston will continue to move upward in the cylinder Eil. until the up switch M is opened or the piston reaches the upper end of the cylinder or until the piston assembly reaches some other mechanical abutment. lf the piston is stopped by any such abutment, the relief valve Ltd will operate automatically to prevent the eX- erted pressure trom exceeding the maximum mentioned above, so as to prevent damage to the mechanism. An adjustable nut idd threaded on rod 23 is adapted to abut the lower end lSt of the slide barrel 26 and therefore may be used to limit upward movement of the piston, i. e. at a seiected uppermost position.

if it is desired to arrest the upward or downward movement of tl piston at a given intermediate point, switches 92 and i are opened `(in practice one of them will already be op yi and the other will now be opened by the operator) o that the circuits for solenoids 7% and 73 are both ken. The switch 77 is maintained in the closed p n so that the dump valve da "mains closed. in this condition, which is that shown in Fig. 5, the valve plug 67 is immediately moved by the springs 7u to neutral, Where the C portion ot the valve plug is in operative position. "the U-shaped bore 7l connects lines 65 and 66 `so that the iiuid under pressure returns directly to the reservoir. The passage of liuid through lines S7 and 5S is now blocked by both the valves -Si and so that there is no movement of iiuid into or out et the cylinder and the piston is held by `the iiuid in the positionto which it had been moved before the return ot' the valve plug 67 to neutral.

Fig. 1 illustrates schematically the preferred physical disposition of the eiectrically operated hydrauiic power system in the combination of this invention. .lt has been found, desirable to position `the motor dit, pump dit, .res-

valve 103 in the cab 116 of the overhead crane (not shown) which suspends and moves the ladle 10 or on some other suitable supporting means for supporting this hydraulic system for relative movement, at least generally, with the ladle, e. g. above, along or beside the platform 42. rThe lines 57 and 58 to the ports 55 and 56 of the hydraulic cylinder 51 may be flexible hoses extending lfrom the cab 11d or other supporting means to the cylinder 51. A portable switch box 117 containing switches 77, 92 and 1155 is provided with push buttons 77a, 92a and 105th respectively, which may be manipulated by an operator carrying the box and moving freely about on the platform 42. The switch box 117 is operatively connected to the hydraulic-power system in the crane cab 116 by a flexible cable 118 containing related portions of the wiring shown in Fig. 5. If desired, suitable reels (not shown) may be provided on the cab for the hoses 57, 5S and the cable 118, to facilitate extension and retraction of these lines.

Reference is now made to Figs. l, 2 and 3 which illustrate the hydraulic cylinder 51 and the means for removably attaching it in operative position. A clevis or bifurcated bracket 12d is permanently fixed on the upper end 119 of the cylinder E51, and has a pin 121 suitably iixed between its arms, i. e. parallel to and spaced from the base of the clevis 120. Another clevis 122 is integrally formed or permanently xed on the outer or lower end of the piston rod 52 and is provided with axially aligned holes 123 (see Fig. 5) in its arms.

The bracket 47 which is attached to the slide rod barrel 26 has an upwardly disposed hook 125 defining a slot 126 sufficiently large to receive the pin 121 of the upper clevis 120.

To attach the cylinder 51 in operative position, the clevis pin 121 is slipped down into the `slot 126 while the cylinder is held at about a angle to the vertical. After the pin 121 is seated in slot 126, the lower end of the cylinder is moved or rocked downward, bringing the cylinder tow-ard the vertical position for connection of the piston rod clevis 122 to the bracket 1S as described below.

The bracket 48 is xed to the lower end 33 or" the guide rod 23 (which moves the ladle stopper) by any suitable means, such as the U-shaped bolts 127 which embrace the guide rod (see Fig. 4). The ends of the bolts 127 extend through holes in the back of the bracket i8 and have nuts 128 threaded thereon to hold the bracket dit in place. A hole 130 (shown in dash lines in Fig. 2) is formed near the outer end of the bracket .8 and is substantially the same size as the axially aligned holes 123 in the piston rod clevis 122.' Projecting pins or studs 131 are fixed to the bracket parallel to each other and in horizontally spaced relation to the hole 13rd, there being a pair of such pins projecting from each vertical face of the bracket alongside of the hole.

After the pin 121 of the upper clevis 121) has been seated in slot 126 of the upper bracket and the lower end of the cylinder Si has been rocked down into a nearly vertical position, the piston rod S2 may be pressed into the cylinder 51 to permit the lower ends 132 of the clevis :122 to pass above the outer pins 131 on the bracket d8. .When the clevis 122 is centered over the hole 130 of the bracket 48, and the cylinder is thus truly vertical, the vclevis may be pulled down so that it straddles the bracket with its arms passing between the paired pins 131 on each side and so that the holes 123 in the clevis 122 are in axial alignment with the hole 13% in the bracket, the pins 131 being provided for guiding the clevis 122 into operaytive position. A draw pin 133, which may be attached to the bracket :it by a chain 135 to prevent loss, is pushed through the aligned holes 123 and 130 thereby connecting the piston rod 52 to the guide rod 23. The outer surface 136 of the hook 12S on the upper bracket 47 is curved and shaped so that clevis 120can be inserted and the cylinder rocked downward as described and so that when the cylinder 51 is in the vertical operative position shown in Figs. 2 and 3, there is only a slight clearance between the base of the clevis 12@ (e. g. the head of the cylinder) and the surface. By shaping the hook 125 as shown, the pin 121 cannot slip out of Le siot while the cylinder is in the vertical position. At the lower end of the assembly the pin 133 and the straddling position o the clevis 122 prevent any lateral movement of tiza evis when it is in operative position.

en order to remove the cylinder trom operative engagement, the pin 133 is withdrawn from the holes 123 and I Ztti, and the piston rod 52 is pushed upward so that the ends 132 ofthe clevis 122 are above the pins 131. YWith tot; lower clevis 122 clear of the pins 131, the iower end of the cylinder may be swung upward in an arc until. the cylinder is at an agie of about 45. in that position, the pin 121 between the arms of the upper clevis 12th may be slipped out of the slot in bracket so that the cylinder is disengaged from slide barrel the stopper actuating apparatus.

lt will be appreciated that, even though the attachment and detachment of the cylinder S1 can be achieved rapidly and with great ease, the connections are substantially free from looseness or play and are not subiect to accidental disengagement.

lt has been found, for example, that a hydraulic cylinder weighing as little as 30 lbs. is capable of delivering 5 to 10 H. P., which is considerably in excess of the power that could be exerted by manual operation. Ybris, a source of large power can be used (if desired) with a unit light enough to be easily attached and removed, although with stopper arrangements of presently converttional structure, cylinders delivering up to 3 H. P. have been found adequate. ln all cases, superior results are obtained, for instance in that the stopper 13 can be closed very tightly so that dribbling is substantially eliminated. Likewise because of the greater power which may very easily and conveniently be obtained with this apparatus, the ruggedness and strength of the stopper assembly may be increased, it being no longer necessary to keep such assembly of light weight for convenience of manual operation. A stopper assembly with such heavier construction permits greater closing pressure to be exerted and also provides greater rigidity of structure in the assembly so that mechanical failure and misalignment of the parts are minimized. Pressure regulating means, such as the relief valve 103, cooperate in permitting safe realization of maximum power and maximum closing force, for attainment of the advantages described above.

Breakaway couplings may be provided in the hose lines 57 and 58 to permit instantaneous disconnection of these oil supply conduits from the cylinder. The assemblies for such couplings are best shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 and include frame brackets 136 which are xed to and extend rectangularly from the cylinder 51 adjacent the ends thereof, conveniently at the ports 5S and 55. Collars 137, welded or otherwise iixed to each of the brackcts 136, are axially aligned and are adapted to receive axially aligned swivel bars 138. The swivel bars 133 are welded to a plate 140 to support the plate pivotally, intermediate the collar members 137. Spacer sleeve members 141, through which the swivel bars 133 are passed, maintain the plate 140 in position between the collar members 137. Washers 142 and cotter pins 143 may be provided at the ends of the swivel bars 138 to maintain the bars in fixed axial position with respect to the collars 137 Short lengths of flexible hose 57a and 58a are connected at one of their ends to the ports 55 and 56 respectively, the other end of each of the hoses being connected toa receiving plug 145. The plugs 145 are attached to one side of the plate 140, for example by collars 146 held with appropriate secu-ring means such as indicated at 147.

assedio Hose couplings 148, which together with the receiving plugs 145 form the breakaway couplings, are lixed on the ends of the hose lines 57 and 53. The plate 140 is formed with apertures 150, one aperture being shown in dash lines in Fig. 4, through which the couplings 1.48 may be inserted to make connection with the receiving plugs 145. The breakaway couplings may be arranged to be disconnected by a straight pull of about 60 lbs. on the hose lines 57 and 5S. The swivel mounting of plate Mil is provided to permit the operator to exert a straight pull from any angle on the platform in that when a pull is exerted on the hose lines, the plate Mtl automatically swivels to a position at right angles to the lines. rlhe couplings 148 and receiving plugs 1.45 are self-sealing upon disconnection so that there is no leakage of the hydraulic fluid when they are uncoupled from each other. This type of breakaway coupling is well known and because their structure forms no part of this invention, no further description of them is included.

From the foregoing description, it will be understood that to operate the apparatus, the ladle which has been illed with steel is brought into position over the mold, alongside the platform. The ladle pouring operator standing on the platform connects the cylinder 51, which may be stored on the platform, in operative engagement with the barrel member 26 and the slide rod 23. The operator reaches up on the lower side of the crane cab 116 and pulls down the hydraulic hoses 57 and Si; and connects the breakaway couplings 1455 to the cylinder 51. He then pulls down the electric switch box 117 on the end of the flexible cable 11S. By pressing the button '77a the motor 68 is energized and the dump valve SS is closed. Thereafter stopper i3 may be raised by pressing button ltla and may be lowered by pressing button 92a.

It will be understood that although any suitable control means such as one operated by an air motor may be used to control the hydraulic system providing such alternative control means permits the operator freedom of movement so that he may observe the pouring, and also providing that such control means rapidly and positively actuates the hydraulic valve so that the stopper will be immediately responsive and close rapidly and firmly, the described electrical control is of unusual advantage in portability, reliability and promptness of response.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the appa- L ratus of this invention overcomes all the disadvantages of prior devices and fulfills the objects set forth above.

By means of the hydraulic system employing the substantially non-compressible iluid the stopper can be moved to and maintained at any desired position within its normal operative range and can be rapidly and easily adjusted for the pouring of each successive ingot by means of the valve 60. To shift the stopper upward or downward, the operator need merely depress the corresponding one of the switch buttons 92a, 105e; so long as the selected button is depressed (closing its contacts, Fig. 5), the piston and stopper will move in the corresponding direction, but will come to a halt promptly upon releasing the button, i. e. at the end of ythe desired change in amount of stopper opening. As explained above, the neutral position of the valve 6i) then permits the hydraulic cylinder to hold the stopper in `the selected position. If 'a further or opposite change in stopper opening is desired, an appropriate switch button is again utilized in the same way. In all cases the operator can readily govern the length of time or the number of times that he pushes the button, by direct observation of the metal stream.

Conveniently the switches 92 and 195 are of springreturn type, i. e. including spring means which keep the contacts open except during the interval that the button is actually held down. Although the off-on switch 77 can also be of the same type if desired, it is preferably a two-position switch, for example, including toggle or other means whereby a momentary push shifts the contacts to lil closed position where they remain (upon release of the button) until a second momentary push restores them to open position. It will be noted that the switch 77 not only controls the dump valve but also exercises control of the stopper-shifting switches, in that the circuits of the solenoids 7?. and 73 extend through the contacts 78, S0 and the valve dit therefore cannot be lmoved from neutral position unless switch 77 is closed. By opening switch 77, as in an emergency, the entire system is biased on the side of safety; for example, the up solenoid then cannot be energized to keep or displace the valve ed in a position where hydraulic fluid might have any tendency to raise the stopper, while the opening of the dump valve and consequent relief of both piston chambers leaves the stopper free for manual operation, and if it is of heavy construction, then with at least a tendency to move closed under its own weight.

In addition, the operator who controls the stopper by means of the portable switch box 117 is free to move about on the platform l2 so that he may accurately observe and determine when the ingot has reached the desired height in the mold and stop the pouring rapidly and positively.

The invention 'achieves the object of providing a convenient portable apparatus for controlling the ladle stopper by which the operator may move out of danger from the smoke, fumes, steam and splashing metal during the pouring and still have control of the power means for the stopper.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the invention fulfills the object of providing an apparatus which provides a safe, positive and selective power control system which can be operated with a minimum of effort and at the same time does not require cumbersome equipment and attachments. The apparatus of this invention can be installed on existing equipment and can be quickly connected or disconnected. For example, when not use the cylinder 5l may be readily removed from the slide barrel 26 and stored on the platform The hose lines 5'7 and 5S may be disconnected from the cylinder at the breakaway couplings 148 and the hose lines reeled up to the crane cab lilo. Also, the switch box 117 may be taken up into the crane cab by a reel on the cable M8.

In the event of an emergency auch may cccnr when the nozzle or the stopper bret may be pulled free with a single sha o and the ladle may ce moved om' steel may be permitted to drain r` ladle without damage to the equipment or danger to the operating personnel.

lf there is failure of electric power to the system, the dump valve 3:3' will open so that stopper may be closed by manually operated lever il and associated linkage to prevent the loss of steel.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes. I have herein described the principle of operation of the invention, together with the elements which '.l now consider the best embodiments thereof, desire to have it understood that the structure disclosed is only illustrative and the invention can be carried. ont by other means. Also, while it is designed to use the various features and elements in the combinations and relations described, some of these may be altered and mndihed without inter-- fering with the more general results outlined.

Having thus described my invention, l claim:

l. In a ladle pouring apparatus having a bottom pour nozzle, a stopper for said nozzle in the ladie, and astcpper linkage means outside the ladle, connected to the stepper for raising and lowering it, a pour er conti-oi apparatus, comprising, a hydraulic power means, means connecting the hydraulic means to the stopper linkage means, valve means for the hydraulic means tor selectively directing ow of substantiallj non-compressible fluid in the hydraulic means to raise or lower the stopper, and electrical control means for the valve electrical control means being operable by portable manual switch means, whereby the operator of said switch means may move about freely while observing and controlling the pouring.

2. in a hydraulic power system for operation of a ladle stopper, stopper linkage means, including a lined guide and a movable member slidably mounted in the xed guide, removable connection means for a driving device, comprising, a pair of mutually separable elements, one of said elements being a hydraulic cylinder and the other being a piston rod for said cylinder, a hook-shaped bracket on the fixed guide, a clevis fixed to one of said elements having arms spaced apart to receive the bracket, a pin disposed between the arms of the clevis and spaced from the base of said clevis, the pin being adapted to be received in a slot delined by the hook of the bracket, the outer edge of the hook remote from the slot being not more than slightly spaced from the base of said elet-fis when the driving device is in operative position, a second bracket on the movable member of the linkage means, means for removably connecting the other of said separable elements to said second bracket in operative position, iiexible means for conveying luid to and from the hydraulic cylinder, and breakaway coupling means for removably connecting the fluid conveying means to the hydraulic cylinder.

5. A portable land detachable power control unit for operating a ladle stopper, comprising a double acting liquid operated cylinder, a piston slidably mounted in said cylinder, selecting means adapted for connection to the ends of the cylinder for interrupting ilow to both ends for arresting the pist-on at any one or a multiplicity of selectable positions intermediate the ends of the path of piston travel in the cylinder and for directing flow to a selected end for moving the piston in a selected direction along said path, portable control means adapted to be carried by an operator, entendible lexible connections between said control means and said selecting means, and means on the cylinder and piston for removably attaching same to a ladle assembly in operative relation between the ladle and its stopper mechanism.

A portable and detachable power control apparatus for operating a reciprocably movable ladle stopper of a ladle that has such stopper and has a member movable to position the stopper, comprising a double acting liquid operated cylinder, a piston slidably mounted in said Cylinder, said cylinder and piston including means for removably attaching them to and between the ladle and its stopper-positioning member to effect displacement of the stopper by displacement of the piston relative to the cylinder, selecting means adapted for connection to the ends of the cylinder for interrupting flow to both ends for arresting 'the piston at any one of a multiplicity of selectable positions intermediate the ends of the path of piston travel in the cylinder and for directing ow to a selected end for moving the piston in a selected direction along said path,

portable control means adapted to be carried by an operator, extendible flexible connections between said control means and said selecting means.

5. In a ladle pouring apparatus having a bottom pour nozzle, a stopper for said nozzle in the ladle, with stopper linkage means outside the ladle, connected to the stopper for raising and lowering it, and a power control apparatus including power means, means connecting the power means to the stopper linkage means, valve means and control means the valve means, the improvement cornprising, hydraulic power means including substantially non-compressible luid in the hydraulic means and the valve means including means for selectably directing liow in the hydraulic means for raising or lowering and holding the stopper at a multiplicity of selectable positions for continuously controlling the size of the nozzle opening for regulating the rate of flow.

6. In a ladle pouring apparatus, the combination, with a bottom pour nozzle, a stopper for said nozzle in the ladle, and stopper linkage means outside the ladle connected to the stopper for raising and lowering it, of a portable and detachable power control system adapted for operating the stopper of said apparatus, comprising a double acting liquid operated hydraulic cylinder and a piston slidably mounted therein, valve means, a source of lluid under pressure, a reservoir to receive exhaust fluid, means for connecting the valve means to the source of fluid under pressure and the reservoir, and additional means for connecting the valve means to the ends of the hydraulic cylinder, the valve means including means for interrupting fluid ow at both ends of said cylinder :tor arresting movement of the piston at any one of a multiplicity of selectable positions intermediate the ends of the path of piston travel and for directing fluid Flow to a selected end of said cylinder for moving the piston in a selected direction along said path, control means for actuation by an operator connected to such valve means, and means on the cylinder and piston for attaching same to the ladle apparatus in operative relation between the ladle and the aforesaid stopper linkage means.

7. The apparatus ot claim 6, including another valve movable to an open position permitting fluid to ce exhausted from both sides of the piston and movable to a closed position preventing fluid being exhausted from both sides.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS 1,207,251 Wettengel Dec. 5, 1916 1,212,860 Wettengel Ian. 16, 1917 1,469,224 Ladd Oct. 2, 1923 1,816,275 Algeo et al. July 28, 1931 2,463,811 Schulze Mar. 8, 1949 

